DI Nealon added: “We know incidents such as this cause concern for local people, and I would like to offer my reassurance that we are conducting a thorough investigation to not only find the gun but to establish who left it in the park in the first place.

“We are committed to robustly tackling those people involved in gang-related activity and would like to speak to anyone who has any information about individuals they believe are involved in drugs or violence offences.

“We are also able to offer support and advice to anyone who has concerns about a young person who they think may be getting drawn into a gang.”

Anyone with information about this incident, or who would like to report concerns about gangs, can call police on 101, complete this online form or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.